Home Safety Manual for Public Health Nurses NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ALBANY, N. Y. EDWARD S. GODFREY, JR., M.D., COMMISSIONER 1943 Page Foreword 1 Accidents vs. Disease 2 Home Accidents in New York State 1942 3 Teaching Home Safety 4 Methods of Approach Faulty Design of the House 5 Disrepair or Neglect of Maintenance 6 Dangers in Wiring and Electrical Appliances 7-8 Lack of Skills 9 Poor Housekeeping and Disorder 10 Poor Habits and Attitudes 11 Protection for Children 12-15 Protection of the Aged 16-17 Personal Factors Which Predispose to Home Accidents 18 Teaching Devices Suggestions for Use 19 Common Home Hazards—Check List 20 Family Safety Council 21 Cartoons 18, 19, 22-23 Organization and Group Teaching Community Safety Program 24 Organization of Home Safety Conference 25 Training Available in Home and Farm Accident Prevention 26 Educational Material for Use in Home and Farm Safety Programs 27 References 28-^29 Suggested Outline for Home Safety Discussion 30 Suggested Home Safety Pledges 31 Organization Chart of National, and New York State Home and Farm Safety Work 32 CONTENTS FOREWORD Home accidents in New York State exceed, by more than one third, motor vehicle accidents which are five times as frequent as are occupa- tional accidents. An accident is an unforeseen, unpremeditated event, but not un- preventable. Industry has foreseen many of its accident hazards and has used mechanical safeguards together with the education of employees to com- bat accidents in the plant. Extensive education combined with effective legislation had helped to reduce motor vehicle accidents even before driving was curtailed. Accidents in the home and in connection with farming, however, have had very little attention. The mounting fatalities finally have aroused the Nation. Concurrent with the organization of the national program, New York State set up a program under the leadership of the Division of Public Health Education of the State Department of Health. (See chart of national and state organization on page 32.) The main objectives of the state program are: 1) To call attention of the public to the seriousness of the home and farm accident situation 2) To mobilize strong forces to combat home and farm accidents through widespread education 3) To provide materials, program aids, and a field service for the promotion of education in home and farm safety. The war has emphasized the seriousness of accidents since they reduce manpower which is needed for the production of materials and food. More than twice as many workers are killed in their homes as in their occupations. Accidents in the home as well as accidents in the plant sabotage the war effort. Within the next year, in New York State, at the present rate, an acci- dent will occur in every seventh home and among the many who are injured more than 3,000 will surrender their lives needlessly. As a guide to the educational approach we find that home accidents may be classified under six major headings: (1) Faulty design of the house; (2) Disrepair or neglect of maintenance; (3) Poor housekeep- ing and disorder; (4) Lack of skills—not knowing how to do things; (5) Poor habits and attitudes; (6) Failure to protect children, the aged, and the handicapped. Public health nurses accustomed to control disease by means of immu- nization, will realize that the only immunization against accidents is education. Widespread instruction and discussion are needed in schools, among organizations and with housewives in the homes. Although many individuals and agencies are at work in the field of home safety the direct approach to the home can best be undertaken by the public health nurses. It is hoped that this manual will be of assistance in outlining the approach both to the home and to the community. Burt R. Rickards, Director Division of Public Health Education 2 Accidents vs. Disease (NEW YORK STATE, 1941) ONLY 3 DISEASES KILL MORE THAN ACCIDENTS AGES 2 TO 24 —Accidents kill more than any disease AGES 2 TO 34 —Accidents kill more males than any disease AGES 1 TO 4 Accidents most Important cause of death. Pneumonia was second—only three fifths as many deaths as acci- dents. AGES 5 TO 9 Accidents most important cause of death—four and one-half times as many deaths as heart disease, ,the second cause. AGES 10 TO 14 Almost twice as many deaths from accidents as from the second cause —heart disease. AGES 15 TO 19 Accident deaths most numerous. Tuberculosis was second—only three fifths as many deaths as accidents. BOTH SEXES - ALL AGES RATE HEART DISEASE CANCER CEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE ACCIDENTS I NEPHRITIS TUBERCULOSIS SOURCE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. DEATH RATES PER 100,000 POP PNEUMONIA 3 1942 DEATHS FROM ACCIDENTS NEW YORK STATE TOTAL .7994 NUMBER HOME ACCIDENTS' MOTOR VEHICLE OTHER' PUBLIC OCCUPATIONAL TYPE NOT STATED INCREASE OF 146 OVER 1941 Home Accidents in New York State—1942 All Ages Total 3,471 Falls 2,258 Conflagrations, burns, explosions 425 Poisonous gas 313 Mechanical suffoca- tion 118 Poisoning 63 Firearms 31 Unclassified 263 Under 5 Years 307 40 69 4 108 11 75 5-14 Years 101 13 40 6 1 5 9 27 15-24 Years 62 13 12 18 1 1 4 13 25-44 Years 323 104 81 55 4 25 9 45 45-64 Years 612 343 89 108 2 17 4 49 65 Years and Over 2,066 1,745 134 122 2 .4 5 54 4 An Opportunity of Importance for Public Health Nurses TEACHING HOME SAFETY The prevention of home accidents is a public health problem and as much a responsibility of the public health nurse as the prevention of disease. The homes of New York State produce more deaths from accidents than from all other sources, and the greatest toll is taken from among our young children and our old folks, the two groups we Ameri- cans take pride in protecting. The continuous story of death and of temporary or of permanent disability from accidents with all the by-prod- ucts of physical pain, misery, and economic loss is doubly shocking when it is known that the tragedy in the story need never have been. Concerted action is being made to attack the entire problem with a broad community program. Each of us will be able to help in promoting such a program and to assist in many ways. Our public health nursing contribution per se, however, lies in the homes which come within the scope of our influence. It is our part to know that each family has received information and motivation concerning home safety which will accomplish three things: (1) Arouse a consciousness of the problem; (2) Bring about the correction of existing hazards; and (3) Create the desire to develop new habits which will prevent injury to themselves and others. Just as using the brake of an automobile becomes a habit after sufficient practice, so one may become practiced in observing, correcting, and best of all preventing conditions which may be sources of danger. The starting point might well be with the nurse herself. She must know facts about accidents, their causes and prevention, and she must keep her interest alive with pertinent, current information which can be obtained in abundance through newspapers, magazines, safety litera- ture, or personal experience. She must train herself to become sensitive to conditions so that she never will fail to observe potential hazards quickly and accurately. She must herself develop safe work habits—use of the right tool, never to climb on anything unsafe, to make small rugs nonskid, and in brief to learn to do what she would have others do. As her knowledge of skills develops she will be gathering a wealth of eco- nomical and practical ideas and possibly some intriguing gadgets to aid her in her teaching of others. Who does not like to know of new ways of doing things, where otherwise they might not be receptive to criticism of housekeeping methods? The results of self-learning and of teaching should be capable of measurement. No preventable accident should be sustained by the nurse herself, and at least a reduction of such accidents should be demonstrated in homes where she has given instruction. Knowledge of her subject, powers of observation, the ingenuity to offer economical and practical solutions to existing problems and the ability to help others to help themselves are the well-known tools of the public health nurse. They have aided her in doing her part in saving life from diphtheria and from enteritis in infants. There is every reason to believe that these same tools will be effective if applied to the prob- lem of preventing accidents in the homes of our State. Marion W. Sheahan, Director Division of Public Health Nursing 5 METHODS OF APPROACH FAULTY DESIGN OF THE HOUSE Type and Hazard Stairs Faulty con- struction Steps Not observed Stairways Insufficient over- head clearance Stair Rails Faulty con- struction Lighting Insufficient light Accident Fell and fractured clav- icle because stairs were uneven in height Fell, fractured ankle bone on step to lower level room Struck head, severely bruised on overhanging beam Badly bruised in plung- ing down stairs when lost grasp on handrail Fractured hip in fall over dark step Prevention Stairs should be uniform, straight, not winding. Hand- rails provided. Plan all rooms on same level. Provide railing. Have steps lighted. Paint last step white. Have a light installed. Sus- pend cardboard or other object to warn. Paint beam white. Have stair rail right height and size. Provide lower rail for children. Have switch at top and bottom of stairs. Storage Space Limited Disorder Kitchen Faulty planning of space Exits Too few Doorways Too near steps or stairways Too close together Broke nose in fall over roller skates Curtains caught fire from stove placed too close to window Cut off from escape when gas stove exploded Instantly killed when mis- judged distance between exit of room and top of stairs Fell down basement stairs when mistook entrance for that of adjoining room Install closets, boxes, shelves, cupboards. Change arrangement if pos- sible. Keep window closed. Dispense with curtains or tie back securely. Provide two exits from kitchen and all other rooms. Have ample landing between head of stairs and doorway. Identify stairway, doorway. 6 DISREPAIR OR NEGLECT OF MAINTENANCE Type and Hazard Stairs Defective covering Steps and Sidewalks Ice Floor Coverings Linoleum slippery, cracked, worn Screens Fastening insecure Cuproard Door Sharp corner Loose Plaster Fa lling on occupant of room Rroken Chair Rungs Collapse of chair Porch Railing broken Accident Fractured nose from fall when heel caught in loosened metal edging Arm injured — amputa- tion later was necessary from fall on ice covered steps Severe wound whenstruck head against stove in fall Child badly bruised from fall out of second story window when screen gave way Injury causing loss of eye when bumped against corner of open door Injury to head — broken eyeglasses Rruises and spine injury Hip injury — railing gave way when leaned against Prevention Repair or remove defective edgings or coverings. Prevent eavespouts draining on steps and sidewalks. Re- move ice immediately. Use salt, ashes or a board cover- ing. Recoat surface with nonslip wax. Tack down or patch leaving no uneven edgings. Keep in good repair. Securely fasten with nails or hooks too stiff for little fingers to loosen. Ease stubborn doors so that they close and open freely. Change location or remove door if a hazard. Tape plaster up as soon as crack appears while awaiting replastering. Discontinue use until repaired. Put up warning until railings can be renewed or repaired. 7 DANGERS IN WIRING AND ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE Type and Hazard Any Appliance Using appliances in damp location or where user is in contact with plumb- ing Overloaded circuit Adjusting when in operation Fuses Using fuses of too great capacity Conns Frayed, leaving wire exposed Accident Person received shock from handling connect- ing cord with wet hands Individual electrocuted in bathtub when attempt- ing to adjust electric heater A fire resulted from an overloaded circuit when fuse failed to blow Fire caused by over- heated wires Shock to child playing around lamp, caused by metal lamp frame made “ alive ” by worn cord Prevention Avoid use of portable heaters, curling irons, radios, etc., in bathroom because water, plumbing, damp surfaces there make shock hazard extremely great. In any location avoid handling appliances when person is also in contact with any plumbing fixtures. Appliances should be con nected only to appliance out- lets and not to light sockets, If a number of appliances are used, connect them to outlets that are on different circuits. Do not attempt to adjust, oil, or clean any electrical appli- ance while it is connected to the electricity supply. Even though the appliance has a switch to control its opera- tion, pull the plug. Use only Underwriters’ Labor- atories approved fuses of the correct rating for each circuit. Find trouble caused by blow- ing of fuses, before replacing. Do not use any object as substitute for fuses. Discard badly worn cords. If outer surface of cord is frayed, several layers of elec- trician’s tape around the cord usually will make a safe repair. Use only cords bear- ing approval of Underwriters’ Laboratories. Never pull on a cord. Disconnect by grasping plug. Avoid use of long cords under rugs or furniture. 8 DANGERS IN WIRING AND ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES Type and Hazard Washing Machines Inattention Improper installa- tion Electric Iron Overheating Heater Overturning Electric Fan Whirling blades Heating Pad Overheating Accident Arm drawn into wringer by loose sleeve. Child’s arm caught in wringer Shock while operating Fire caused by connected iron left on ironing board while answering tele- phone call Fire caused by heater too close to wall Cut hand in blades Burned when asleep with pad on “high” Prevention Do not wear loose, flowing clothing that may be caught in the wringer rolls. Keep children away. Keep in good repair. Any indication of shock while operating requires immediate attention. Washing machines and ironers can be made safer for use in damp surroundings by electrically grounding “their frames.” Have an electrician do this. Disconnect and put on stand when called away. Put in safe place, away from walls, and curtains. Discon- nect when leaving room. Keep children away. Place in safe position. Shut off fan to move it. Select fan with adequate guard for blades or one with rubber blades. Remove and disconnect before falling asleep. Don’t apply heating pad to a helpless person (an infant, an invalid, a sleeping or unconscious person) unless carefully at- tended and under medical supervision. Don’t use pins or other metallic means to fasten a pad injplace. Keep pad always dry even if the moisture resistant covering is in place. Renew such moisture resistant covering if it shows any sign of deterioration. 9 LACK OF SKILLS Type and Hazard Waxing Floor left slippery Mopping Hot water Cleaning Bathtub Left slippery Hanging Curtain Used a substitute for ladder Knives Misuse Cooking Steam Starting Fires Bums, fires Canning Bursting jars Food Preservation Botulism Food storage Heavy Lifting Improper position Dry Cleaning Explosion Gas Appliances Leaking gas Accident Broken arm from fall Child scalded by falling into pail of boiling water Fell, cut foot on glass fixture Broken hip resulted in fall from rocking chair Badly cut when knife slipped Burns resulted when cover was removed from boiling liquid Child severely burned when starting fire with kerosene as she had seen her mother do Narrowly escaped injury from broken glass when hot jars were set on top of hot oven Deaths from eating home- canned spinach Severe intestinal upset from eating infected food Back strained when mov- ing sack of flour to flour bin Instantly killed in explo- sion which occurred when dry cleaning curtains in- doors Asphyxiated because of escaping gas Prevention Wax lightly. Rub in well. Never leave a pail of hot water on floor — unguarded. Cleanse properly to remove soap. Use a well-built ladder, in good repair. Wear low, firm heels. Have no loose hems in skirt or slacks. Move cautiously. Hold knife blade away from body when cutting. Stand back at arms length before removing lids. Do not use kerosene to start or quicken a fire. Do not use too much paper for fear of a chimney fire. Set hot jars on several thick- nesses of cloth on kitchen table. Use pressure cooker for non- acid vegetable canning. If any other method is used, boil for fifteen minutes before serving, or even tasting. Use care in quickly cooling all perishable foods. Bend knees — keep back straight. Send articles to dry cleaners or use noninflammable clean- ing fluids. Never do dry cleaning indoors. Adjust flame properly. Have gas leaks repaired imme- diately. Repair or replace loose burner cocks. 10 POOR HOUSEKEEPING AND DISORDER Type and Hazard Tin Cans Sharp edges Broken Glass Sharp edges Cooking Utensils Pan handles Knives Out of place Cigarettes Failure to extin- guish Oily Rags Stored carelessly Newspapers Stored on damp floor Firearms Left loaded and easily accessible Bottles Breakage Poisons (Medicinal) Accidental use Poisons (Insect and Rodent) Accidental hand- ling or swallowing Poisons (Gleaning) Accidental use Poisons (Food) Lack of cleanliness Accident Palm of hand injured when using makeshift can opener Hand cut when emptying basket containing glass Severely scalded from boiling water when pro- jecting handle caught in apron strings Cut when reaching in crowded drawer for knife House burned down from fire from cigarette thrown in waste basket House burned — spon- taneous combustion, caused by oily rags Bottom papers of large heap in damp garage, found charred, ready for spontaneous combustion Hand shot away when loaded gun was dropped Hand cut when bottle, into which boiling water was poured, broke Child poisoned by swal- lowing sleeping pills for candy Child died after swallow- ing ant poison Child swallowed lye Severe intestinal upset from eating infected food Prevention Use efficient can opener. Dispose of cans safely. Wipe up floor with flannel cloth or absorbent paper. Wrap in heavy paper — tie securely. Label—broken glass. Always turn pot handles in. Keep knives in rack or wide- mouthed glass jar where they can be seen. Extinguish thoroughly. Never throw in a waste basket. Store oily rags in covered metal containers. Do not accumulate. Make a rack to keep off damp floor. Unload before bringing into house. Store in locked cup- board. Put a silver knife or spoon in bottle before filling with boil- ing water. Keep all medicines in separate locked cabinet — out of reach of children. Dispose of left- over medicines. Keep out of reach of children. Use traps and nontoxic prod- ucts rather than poisons. Keep on high shelf or in cup board. Mark plainly. Always wash hands before {»reparing food. Avoid hand- ing food if you have any infection. 11 POOR HABITS AND ATTITUDES Type and Hazard Clothing Inappropriate "At Ease” Tilting chair Smoking Falling asleep Razor Blades Sharp edges Living Conditions a) Disorder b) Lack of neatness Mental States a) Inattention b) Poor judgment c) Tension Accident Burned to death in light- ing oven when fluffy negligee caught fire Concussion suffered when tilted chair slipped and occupant fell off porch Infant suffocated from smoke and fumes when mother fell asleep with lighted cigarette while nursing infant Bad cut. Blade wrapped in a soap paper in hotel was picked up by maid, crushed in hand Concussion from fall over carpet sweeper left out of place Bad fall at night over card table in middle of floor after party Broken wrist, slipped on grease Baby choked from swal- lowing a pin Overcome with escaping gas when milk boiled over and extinguished gas flame Infant choked on peas when given full pods to play with while mother was shelling Child burned from over- turned coffee when mother hurried him Prevention Wear short sleeved house dress without puffed pockets, or loose strings, or bow. Never tilt back on two legs of a chair. Extinguish cigarette before lying down. Do not smoke in bed while nursing infant. Wrap in paper blade came in. Place in box in which blades came in or provide box with slot in top. When full, seal slot, mark "caution.” Always put back in proper place at once all equipment, tools, knives, cleaning ma- terials, etc. Replace furniture after using — arrange furniture for clear passageway. Immediately wipe up spilled grease. Pick up all pins after sewing Train yourself to keep your mind on your work. Realize accidents occur when mind is off guard. Be alert. Use foresight in the selection of objects to amuse an infant. Control through making patient aware — suggest a health examination. States of nervous tension and ganger cause accidents. Control by good hygiene and relaxation. Prevention 12 PROTECTION Children Are Victims o£ a Large Per Cent of Fatal Home Accidents Accident Suffocation Choking Burns Falls Some Causes Mother falling asleep while nursing baby Baby sleeping with others Heavy, clumsy, insecurely fastened and too confin- ing covers Swallowing beans, buttons, marbles, safety pins, parts of toys and rattles Bathing child in hot water or too near hot water faucets or stove Projecting handles of utensils on stove Spilling hot food, hot liquids, or overturning lighted oil lamps Pails of hot water on floor Matches Unsafe, unprotected electrical appliances, stoves, irons, heaters, outlets, oil stoves, overheated wood and coal stoves Over exposure to sun rays Unguarded in crib, high chair or carriage Unguarded top of table Unprotected windows Stairways, porches, and steps Ladders and high places 13 FOR CHILDREN The Majority of Home Accidents of Children Can Rightly Be Charged to Adults Prevention Keep awake while nursing infant Have baby sleep alone always Provide firm mattress or folded blanket under baby—no pillow. Fasten covers securely or use safe sleeping bag Keep small objects away from children Check temperature of water. Protect from hot water faucets and hot stoves Turn pot handles in Have table covers only to edge of table. Keep hot foods, etc. out of reach of children. Guard pails of hot water Keep matches in metal container in safe place Repair defective equipment. Guard against hot stoves. Keep children out of kitchen during meal preparation Caution regarding leaving children in sun for long period Keep sides of crib up. Select crib with narrow spacing of rods. Fasten child se- curely in high chair or carriage Protect child if bathing on table Screen or bar open windows Place gates at top and bottom of stairs and porch openings Train child how to climb Emergency Care Until Doctor Arrives* Remove constricting clothing immedi- ately Keep child quiet in well ventilated room If object is visible try to remove imme- diately with care to avoid injuring child. Child may be inverted—lifted up by his feet Cover slight burns with sterile gauze or clean cloths soaked with bicarbonate of soda In severe burns cut away clothing unless skin is adherent. Do not apply any greasy substances. Avoid chilling If bruised, apply cold compresses If cut apply sterile or clean dressing Stop bleeding * In severe accidents have doctor called at once. In any accident have doctor see child. 14 PROTECTION Accident Injuries and Wounds Poisoning (Not Gas) Injuries to Nasal Passage, Ears and Eyes Shooting Accidents in the Yard motor vehicle injuries DROWNING Animal Bites Some Causes Running with sharp object in mouth Putting small objects in nose and ears Stepping on broken glass, opened tin cans, razor blades, tacks, pins, needles Careless use of scissors, knives, etc. Dangerous medicines, germicides, insecticides, lye, etc. Lead paint on cribs and toys Putting small objects as listed above in nose and ears. Falling on or sticking sharp object in eye Playing with firearms and explosives Inattention in driving car Playing in street Stepping on nails in boards, broken wires, and glass Climbing trees, ladders, poles, etc. Overturning bird bath Falling into garden pool and striking head against stones Falling into cisterns or wells Teasing or playing with dogs, cats, etc. 15 FOR CHILDREN Prevention Keep pencils, sticks, other sharp and small objects away from children. Train not to put sharp pointed objects in mouth or near eyes Place all dangerous articles out of reach of children. Dispose safely of glass, etc. Destroy unused dangerous medicines. Label all poisonous substances plainly. Keep all poisonous substances in locked cabinet out of reach of children Purchase crib and toys with safe paint or use lead free paint for redecorating If child persistently sucks crib, tape bars with adhesive Keep floor, crib, play pen clear of all small objects and sharp articles Always unload and store firearms with ammunition in safe place. Store explo- sives carefully Make sure children are not in driveway when driving car in or out of garage Train children not to run into street for ball or in playing Keep yard free of sharp objects Teach children dangers of climbing Anchor bird bath top firmly to prevent overturning Provide adequate play yard. Keep chil- dren away from pools, swamps unless accompanied by adult Cover wells and cisterns securely Keep children away from strange dogs and cats. Teach children dangers of teasing animals Emergency Care Until Doctor Arrives* Remove if possible. Keep child as quiet as possible Stop bleeding by pressure or elevation of wounded extremity—apply dry sterile or clean dressing Give antidote immediately Stop bleeding. Apply sterile or clean, dry dressing. Keep child as quiet as possible If severe injury do not move child un- necessarily. Keep warm Dress injury See doctor immediately because minor injuries of this type may cause lockjaw Keep warm and quiet Wash wound under running water— apply clean gauze * In severe accidents have doctor called at once. In any accident have doctor see child. 16 PROTECTION The Largest Number of Fatal Home Accidents Occur among the Aged Accidents Falls Poisoning Poisoning (Gas) Burns, Scalds, Explosions Some Causes Slippery walks Slippery floors, toys and objects on floor, insecure rugs, cluttered stairs Stairs without handrail Slippery bathtub Poorly lighted stairways, halls, and rooms High beds Defective ladders and scaffolds Defective eyesight, hard of hearing Exposure to extreme heat Contaminated foods Dangerous medicines, germicides and other poi- sonous substances Improper care of fires Inadequate Ventilation Running motor in closed garage Grasping hot objects Ignition of clothing Lighting of fires Spilling boiling liquids Inflammable liquids 17 OF THE AGED Predisposing Factors: Senility, Lessened Agility, Impaired Vision, Brittle Bones, Low Vitality Prevention Keep sidewalks free of ice Orderly housekeeping Handrail on stairways Grab bar in bathroom Sufficient light at all times, small night light or convenient switch Low beds or safe footstool Ladders in repair, discourage climbing Encourage the aged to recognize their limitations Avoid overexertion in hot weather Care in selection, preparation and stor- age of food Keep medicines and poisonous sub- stances in locked cabinet or out of reach —mark plainly chimneys clean Adjust dampers in coal stoves so gas will escape through chimney Keep gas range in safe place and good repair to avoid extinguishing Keep rooms, heated by oil or gas heat- ers, well ventilated Caution to always leave door open Use- holders for hot handles, etc. Caution regarding danger of lighting fires with kerosene Keep away from flames Care in carrying pails of hot liquids Keep away from inflammable liquids Emergency Care Until Doctor Arrives* Place patient in comfortable position Do not move more than is absolutely necessary Keep warm. Watch for shock. Apply cold compresses to bruises Dress injury with sterile or clean cloth Stop bleeding by pressure Give antidote for specific poison Remove to fresh air immediately Watch for shock Get patient into fresh air Apply gauze soaked in soda bicarbonate solution. Cut away clothing from burned area. Do not disturb if skin adheres to clothing * Call doctor immediately for severe accident. In any accident have doctor see patient. 18 PERSONAL FACTORS WHICH PREDISPOSE TO HOME ACCIDENTS The public health nurse can make her most important contribution to the home and farm safety program by seeing an accident before it happens and preventing it. She, as well as the physician, can assist in preventing accidents to the handicapped, by helping them and their families to foresee hazards and correct them. Conditions in a home which are conducive to accident occurrence either in the physical structure of the house, type of equipment, mainte- nance of equipment, or housekeeping are doubly hazardous where there are sick or aged persons. In the case of certain illnesses such home hazards are extremely seri- ous. People with diseases of the heart and blood vessels must realize their limitation and avoid hazards. In certain diseases of the central nervous system such as epilepsy, and also in psychoses, care and fore- sight must be used in protecting these patients from injury by falls and other accidents. The diabetic person and his family need to know the dangers of skin infections and gangrene from minor injuries. Defective eyesight and hearing may predispose to home accidents and attention must be given to individuals with these conditions. Cripples, as well as persons with chronic illnesses need protection and guidance, in adjusting to conditions in the home. The periodic physical examination with subsequent correction of defects and treatment may well be considered an important phase of accident prevention. UNSAFE *£ HOME HOME THmJuUU; utiUuiMtau. ■ ij-ymc chief- QAtCUls M^ioifa,^aofe£> NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL 19 TEACHING DEVICES Suggestions for Use One of the most familiar and effective devices for arousing interest in home safety is the check list for common hazards in the home. Several forms have been compiled by different organizations. The contents of the American National Red Cross check list is shown on page 20. A supply of these forms may be obtained from the local Chapter. The methods of making a survey of home hazards may vary. In some homes a suggestion may be made to the family to secure a form from the Red Cross Chapter, Home Bureau or other organization interested in the project. In other homes, the housewife may request assistance of the public health nurse in making the inspection. The latter approach will give the nurse an opportunity to discuss the hazards found and help with the elimination of dangers. The family safety council is another project which has been used suc- cessfully in some communities. The diagram on page 21 will be helpful in planning with families who show interest in working it out together. It can be simplified to meet the needs of the family and should arouse the interest and participation of all members of the household. The home safety cartoons pictured on pages 18, 19, 22, and 23 will be useful in connection with family teaching. A booklet containing addi- tional drawings is available on request. Some of the pamphlets listed under educational materials on page 27 may be secured for distribution in the homes. UNSAFE UNSAFE HOME nm/msi Mm unM! ]f^ri!Ak udtt/iaGL'nudeJb amwosi NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL 20 COMMON HOME HAZARDS* Check List of HAZARDS in and about the HOME Issued by THE AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS Yes No T. Falls and Broken Bones —• — Are stairs clear of toys and other household articles? — — Are stairways well lighted ? — — Are small rugs secured against slipping? — — Is ice cleared from steps and walks? —■ — Are porch railings and floors sound? — — Are bicycles, play appa- ratus, etc., in good repair? 2. Burns and Scalds — — Are hot containers on stoves beyond reach of small children? — —■ Are small children pro- tected from tubs of hot water? — — Are matches kept from little children? — — Is screen used at fire- place ? — — Are chimneys cleaned regularly ? — — Is woodwork protected from stove pipes? — — Is trash disposed of promptly? — — Are attic and basement clear of rubbish? — — Are plans made in case of fire? 3. Electric Shock — — Are electrical appliances in good condition? — — Are worn and broken cords promptly dis- carded? — — Are installations and re- pairs made by compe- tent persons? Yes No 4. Asphyxiation & Suffocation — — Are gas burners adjusted for proper combus- tion? — — Are all gas connections substantial ? — — Are garage doors always open when starting automobile engine? — — Is bedding secured against possible smothering of baby? 5. Cuts and infection — — Are toys with sharp points and edges dis- carded ? — — Are sharp - edged tools kept away from small children ? — — Is skillful use of knives and other tools learned? 6. Poisonings — — Are all poisons separately stored ? — — Are poison containers clearly identified? — — Are medicines separately stored ? — — Are unused medicines promptly discarded? 7. Gunshot Wounds — — Are firearms about prem- ises unloaded? — — Are all firearms out of reach of young chil- dren? — — Are they always handled as if loaded? * You may want to check answers with pencil and change as corrections are made. 21 COLLECTS PENALTIES ASSISTS WITH AWARDS TREASURER FAMILY SAFETY COUNCIL SUGGESTED TOPICS OF MEETINGS 1 STORY FROM SAFETY MAGAZINE 2 CHECK LIST DISCUSSION: REPORT OF HAZARDS DISCOVERED AND CORRECTED 3 DISCUSSION OF ACCIDENTS IN FAMILY AND HOW THEY MIGHT HAVE BEEN AVOIDED 4 PENALTIES DECIDED UPON FOR CARELESSNESS 5 AWARDS AGREED UPON FOR ACCOMPLISHMENT; 6 EMERGENCY TRAINING A FIRST AID B FIRE PREVENTION C FIRE FIGHTING KEEPS MINUTES AND RECORDS CONDUCTS CORRESPONDENCE AND RESEARCH PLANS PROGRAMS OFFICERS SECRETARY CHAIRMAN CALLS PERIODIC MEETINGS PRESIDES TO HEAR REPORTS LEADS DISCUSSION IMPOSES PENALTIES AND MAKES AWARDS ihu, I %. ttclm TMUC/ut, NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL BURNS NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL BURNS Tnaki 7w afaicf' 'p&uwuL*/ national safety council POISONING tP-dhm OiuLctimMi C O (T O I- < if) Ul o 5 z O - II °o -j cr O I cr h- z o o FIELD SERVICE FIELD SERVICE LEGISLATION HOUSEHOLD SAFETY This manual is presented to the public health nurses of New York State to offer suggestions which will help them to assist in the program of home safety. The material, for the most part, was written and compiled by Mrs. Ethel Hendriksen of the Division of Public Health Education, and Miss Mary McCormick of the Division of Public Health Nursing. We are indebted to Mr. Howard J, Blanchfield and Mr. Nicolas Apgar of the Division of Public Health Education for the format and the diagrams included in the booklet. Acknowledgment is given also for the assistance of the following organizations in reviewing the material: National Organization for Public Health Nursing, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Ameri- can National Red Cross, Good Housekeeping Institute, and the Russell Sage Foundation.